Nestlé Trinidad and Tobago Limited is pleased to announce the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus. The MOU signing which took place on September 22 is aligned to Nestlé’s Alliance for Youth program as part of the Nestlé Needs YOUth employability initiative. The partnership aims at creating and offering more job opportunities for young persons between the ages 16- 29, developing and mobilizing individuals through career counselling and implementing and strengthening apprenticeship, internship and traineeship programs.

At the signing at Nestlé’s Valsayn compound, Acting Human Resource Manager, Siti Jones Gordon stated, “Our purpose of enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future encompasses the need for improving the employability of our youth. Through this partnership we are able to work hand in hand with the University in addressing issues related to employment facing our youth. The University of the West Indies shares this commitment.”

Denise d’Abadie, Head of Corporate Communications, further states, “Our partnership with UWI is fully aligned with our purpose of developing resilient thriving communities by preparing our youth to enter the world of work, making a better future for them and their families.”

On hand representing the UWI St Augustine was Dr. Deirdre Charles, Director of the Division of Student Services & Development of the UWI St. Augustine Campus and Ms. Maria Dass, Commercialisation Manager of UWI St. Augustine Campus.

In Trinidad and Tobago, Nestlé Needs YOUth has reached over 5000 young persons through hiring, internships and career guidance programs, since its inception in 2014.

About Nestlé Needs YOUth
The Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative aims at strengthening and developing the employability of young people all over Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados and Guyana. Out 2020 objectives include:

By 2020: Get Hired: Nestle will hire at least 81 youths either permanently or temporarily

By 2020: Get Skilled: Nestlé will engage 90 youths through trainee programmes, internships and apprenticeships.

By 2020: Get Support: Nestlé will develop 7,650 students through ‘readiness to work’ activities such as career fairs, practice interview sessions, résumé preparation support, youth charity events and career development workshops.

By 2020: Get More Opportunities: Nestlé will expand our Alliance for YOUth, working with suppliers, industry partners, government ministries and NGOs to create another 304 jobs!